Nonprofit leader, social entrepreneur, and longtime community advocate launches campaign to bring together Prospect Hill, Central Hill, and Spring Hill

Serena Hollmeyer Taylor, a longtime community advocate, social entrepreneur, and nonprofit leader,  announced her candidacy for Somerville City Council in Ward 3. Taylor, who serves as President Emeritus of the Somerville Homeless Coalition, is running to bring her experience solving problems, building coalitions, and delivering results to City Hall.

“I love Somerville, and I believe we can make our city an even better place to live for everyone,” said Taylor. “As a nonprofit leader, I don’t have the luxury of playing politics. I have to bring people together, listen, and actually solve problems. That’s exactly the approach I’ll bring to the City Council.”

The Ward 3 council seat is being vacated by Ben Ewen-Campen, who recently won the Democratic primary for State Representative. Ward 3 encompasses the neighborhoods around Union Square, including Central Hill, Prospect Hill, and Spring Hill.

A proud progressive, Taylor’s campaign will focus on three priorities: building more housing and helping longtime residents remain in their homes; ensuring safe, healthy neighborhoods for all; and improving quality of life through better streets, safer transportation, and investments in Somerville’s parks and public spaces.

“As your city councilor, I’ll be laser-focused on building reasonably-priced housing, ensuring public safety, standing up for our most vulnerable neighbors, and improving quality of life, from traffic and pedestrian safety to improving our squares and parks,” Taylor said. “These are the issues that affect our neighbors every day, and they deserve practical solutions.”

Sarah Phillips, former Ward 3 School Committee member, endorsed Taylor, saying, “Serena knows how to build coalitions and get people who might otherwise disagree to work together.  She has demonstrated that as Board Chair for Somerville Coalition for the Homeless, and I am thrilled to support her.”

Taylor has spent decades working to strengthen communities and advocate for people in need. Following Hurricane Katrina, she spent three months in Biloxi, Mississippi, helping families rebuild their homes and advocating for a fair federal disaster response. In Vermont, she worked with community organizations and state leaders to advance marriage equality and stop an attack on transgender civil rights. Taylor holds a Master’s of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School at Tufts University. She has also founded and held leadership roles in multiple internationally-focused social enterprises and nonprofit organizations.

A Union Square-area resident since 2011, Taylor has been deeply involved in Somerville’s civic life. In addition to her leadership at the Somerville Homeless Coalition, she helped establish the Somerville Non-Profit Collaborative, volunteers to prepare meals for local families and young people, and served on Mayor Jake Wilson’s transition committee focused on homelessness,
health, and human services.

Kate Byrne, a member of the Somerville Nonprofit Collaborative, said, “Serena is brilliant. She is thoughtful and thorough as she assesses issues and concerns. She has incredible strengths and is very gentle and kind. She will serve Ward 3 conscientiously: as a strong progressive and with intentional caring.”

Taylor says her experience has reinforced the importance of listening to residents, finding common ground, and focusing on what we can accomplish.

“Somerville is a special place because of all the people who call it home,” Taylor said. “But rising housing costs, concerns about our vulnerable neighbors, and the everyday challenges of getting around our city are real. We need to make sure that our city government listens, works collaboratively, and stays focused on solving problems.”

Taylor plans to spend the coming months meeting with Ward 3 residents, listening to their concerns, and sharing her vision for Somerville’s future.

“I’m running because I believe in this community and what we can accomplish together,” Taylor said. “I’m excited to get to work.”

Serena Hollmeyer Taylor is a Somerville community advocate, social entrepreneur, and nonprofit leader. Her career in public service and community organizing includes disaster recovery work following Hurricane Katrina, civil rights advocacy in Vermont, and years of volunteer leadership in Somerville.

For more information about the campaign, visit serenaforward3.com.

— Committee to Elect Serena Hollmeyer Taylor